To apply for a UK Spouse Visa, you must provide supporting documents that prove your identity, relationship, financial stability, and accommodation arrangements. The Home Office carefully reviews this evidence to verify that all eligibility requirements are met under UK Immigration Rules Appendix FM. This checklist reflects updates as of October 2025.
Core Documents Required
Every applicant must include the following essential documents:
- Valid passport or travel document (for both applicant and sponsor).
- Completed visa application form (online).
- Proof of payment for visa application and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Biometric enrolment confirmation letter.
Relationship Evidence
The Home Office must be satisfied that your marriage or partnership is genuine and ongoing. You’ll need to provide:
- Original marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Photos together showing a genuine relationship over time.
- Chat logs, call records, and travel evidence (where appropriate).
- Proof of shared financial responsibility (joint accounts, bills, tenancy).
For full details, visit Proof of Relationship Requirements (2026).
Financial Requirement Documents
Applicants must meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year or demonstrate qualifying savings. Required financial documents include:
- 6 months of payslips (12 months for self-employed).
- 6 months of bank statements showing income deposits.
- Employment contract and letter from employer confirming position and salary.
- Tax return (SA302) or company accounts for self-employed sponsors.
- Proof of savings (if applicable).
See Financial Requirement Guide (2026) for full breakdowns.
Accommodation Evidence
- Tenancy agreement or property ownership documents.
- Letter of consent from landlord or homeowner (if living with family).
- Recent council tax or utility bills.
- Property inspection report (if required).
Read our Accommodation Requirement (2026) guide for further details.
English Language Proof
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved SELT test or qualifying degree.
- Approved English test certificate showing CEFR level (A1, A2, or B1).
- ECCTIS confirmation letter for degrees taught in English.
See English Language Requirement (2026) for accepted test providers.
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Divorce decree absolute or death certificate (if previously married).
- Birth certificates for dependent children.
- Evidence of previous UK immigration history (visas, BRP cards).
- TB test certificate (for applicants from listed countries).
Check Tuberculosis Test Rules (2026) for full country list and clinic information.
Document Submission Format
All documents must be scanned and uploaded digitally through the VFS Global or TLScontact portal. You may also use the assisted scanning service at your biometric appointment.
Document Upload Requirements
Document Upload Requirements
Document Type
Examples
Upload Format
Identity
Passport, BRP, birth certificate
PDF or high-resolution image
Financial
Payslips, bank statements, tax returns
PDF only
Relationship
Marriage certificate, photos, travel records
PDF or JPEG
Accommodation
Tenancy agreement, mortgage, bills
PDF
Common Document Mistakes
- Submitting blurred or incomplete scans.
- Using outdated financial documents.
- Missing signatures on letters or statements.
- Failing to translate foreign documents into English by a certified translator.
To avoid refusal, review UK Visa Refusal before submission.
People Also Asked
Do I need to send original documents for a UK Spouse Visa?
No, all documents are submitted digitally via your visa application centre’s upload portal.
Can I submit photos as proof of relationship?
Yes, but photos alone are not sufficient — include joint bills, tenancy agreements, and financial proof of partnership.
Do I need translations for non-English documents?
Yes. Any non-English or non-Welsh documents must be translated by a certified translator.
How recent must my bank statements be?
Bank statements should cover the most recent six months prior to submission.
About This Page
Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: 7 January 2026.